Twenty First Century

After nearly 30 years, a way forward was agreed and new institutions put in place. This large sculpture, between Lifford and Strabane was erected to commemorate the millennium but it also reflects hope based upon a respect for diversity. The musicians are from the two main traditions in the region and a nearby plaque explains that they ‘represent a shared cultural vision in an area where music and dance are great unifying and highly popular art forms.’

The development of a new library and theatre in Strabane the late 2000’s was a significant investment in the cultural life of the town but it was also a statement of confidence in the regeneration of the town centre. The buildings are well designed and impart a sense of new civic life to the area. Their scale links them to the rest of the town and their quality sets a benchmark for future development.

Opened in 2016, the foot and cycle bridge picks up this challenge and brings modern civic architecture to the other end of town. Developed from an international competition held in 2006, it is supposed to be the first of two such bridges. Whether resources can be found for the second bridge or not, the ambition of current city fathers to bring modern quality investment to the town is very clear. Strabane and the surrounding area however, have much quality already the key will be to manage this and new development well and make the most of future opportunities.